Small, Reliable Car - Semi-Bangernomics

Depending on a possible change in work circumstances, I may need to get a car for work. Looking at sub £2k, reliable and economical.

At the moment, a little Smart car seems to jump out for silly cheap tax and high MPG. Don't need it to carry anyone else so also been thinking it could also be the opportunity to buy something like Polo GTi #2 or MX5 #4 as well...

Anyone else any suggestions? I think for my bank balances sake, its best I get something I'd be reluctant to tinker with. The Smart ticks a lot of boxes...

Or theres Berlingos etc for sub £2k. Dull as ditch water but good 'just chuck it in' bike carrying ability.

If they went wrong I didnt mind as Id paid so little. One car cost me £300 and lasted 3 years before it died. The others lasted a year or more. I used to take them to the dump instead of getting an MOT and tax.

IDK, £2k can buy you a lot of car. The parkers guide to my 60,000mile '06 c-max isn't much more. I'd shop arround at the less fassionable end of the market, mini people carriers etc. Van sized, but with car handling, nicer interiors and MPG.

at the 2k point you will get a much better large car than a small car, If you go for a mondeo or foucus size instead of a ka or fiesta you won't be competing with first time drivers and for want of a non sexist term, women.

Bigger cars are just built better and better equipped. If you don't need a small car they're best left alone.

The nissan micra 2nd generation 92 - 03 my wife used them at here work which was a kids home, the staff and kids ragged them the kids used to beat the shit out of them and the weather on Exmoor would smash them they put in big millage going to London and Plymouth but the cars were indestructable, its what i would gun for in your position. Good luck with the hunt dude